What's In The Order Of Service For A Wedding?

A wedding order of service is basically a schedule or plan for how things will go during the wedding ceremony. It includes details such as when the wedding party walks in, any readings or special moments, like saying vows or exchanging rings, and when everyone exits. Your order of service will depend slightly on whether you're planning a civil ceremony or a church wedding, but essentially it's a breakdown of the ceremony so that the guests know what to expect. Read on to find out more...

Information that's usually printed in the order of service includes details on how the ceremony will proceed, along with any readings and who is performing them. For church weddings, we highly recommend that you include the words to the hymns, to avoid fumbling with hymn books. You might also want to include details of who the wedding party are, and any messages of thanks. Your order of service should match the rest of your wedding stationery, and should include your names, wedding date and ceremony venue on the front as a nice memento. 

If you're creating your own order of service, then you'll need to include the following information. 

Church wedding order of service

On the front page:

• Your names
• The wedding date and time
• The wedding ceremony location

Inside:

• The arrival of the bride
• Hymn (Also include words for congregation's participation)
• Declarations and vows
• Exchange of rings and blessing
• Bible reading (include who is doing the reading, and words if necessary)
• Signing of the register
• Hymn (if being sung during the signing)
• Final prayers

On the back page:

• Any thanks you'd like to include, and credits for musicians and singers

Civil ceremony order of service

On the front page:

• Your names
• The wedding date and time
• The wedding ceremony location

Inside:

• The arrival of the bride 
• Welcome by the registrar
• Reading (include who is doing the reading, and words if necessary)
• Vows 
• Exchange of rings
• Reading
• Signing of the register
• Exit of the bride and groom

On the back page:

• Any thanks you'd like to include, and credits for musicians and singers

Be sure to proof-read carefully before you sent to print! If in doubt, chat to your vicar, registrar or wedding stationery supplierand they'll be able to advise you.